Putting patient care before profit is 'A Reason to Smile'

Schaumburg, IL: To promote preventative oral care and improve oral health for patients in their community, local dentists and brothers Dr. Alan Acierno of Schaumburg and Dr. Michael Acierno of Chicago, as well as Dr. James Johnson of Chicago and Dr. Molly Hayes of St. Charles, are initiating a social good project called "A Reason to Smile" that puts patient care before profit.

Together these dentists are joining with Clearbrook, a nonprofit that serves more than 6,000 children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities such as autism, down syndrome and cerebral palsy, in over 160 communities throughout Chicago and the suburbs. These dentists will provide free dental care to Clearbrook clients on Friday, July 11, at the Acierno Dental location, 129 S. Roselle Road in Schaumburg.

Dental caries, more commonly known as tooth decay, is one of the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults , second only to the common cold, even though it is largely preventable. One way to help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease is by regular visits to the dentist, which can be a costly expense for the 108 million people in the U.S. who have no dental insurance .

By offering services such has cleanings, fillings and other preventative care at no cost to patients from Clearbrook, these participating dentists are assisting those in need and displaying an overall commitment to the community. They expect to provide these services six times a year worth an estimated value of $100,000 in free dental care.

"It's a wonderful cause and we are proud to be affiliated with Clearbrook," said Dr. Alan Acierno from Acierno Dental in Schaumburg. "We are a community dental practice and having a connection to the community means giving back. It's the right thing to do and we hope to continue our partnership and provide services like this for years to come."

"We are most appreciative that Dr. Acierno has opened his practice to our clients," said Clearbrook President, Carl M. La Mell. "Many of our clients travel over 30 miles to receive dental care, so having a group of doctors volunteer their time and services to the community is wonderful."

Dental services for patients from Clearbrook will be honored from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, July 11, at Acierno Dental, 129 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. For further information on "A Reason to Smile," contact Becky Thomas at Acierno Dental or Gloria Drake at Clearbrook.

Based in Northern Illinois, Clearbrook was founded in 1955 and has since evolved into a recognized leader in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities. Today, Clearbrook creates innovative opportunities for over 6,000 children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy - as well as their families. Clearbrook provides personalized children's, adult day, employment, residential and clinical services at more than 50 locations throughout the Chicagoland-area. In addition, Clearbrook is the largest provider of home-based services in the state of Illinois. For more information, please visit clearbrook.org.